Centering Prayer

Because centering prayer is a way of being with Jesus that doesn’t cover prayer concerns, some people wonder if it counts as real prayer. Furthermore, if it doesn’t make you feel or experience something particular, what does it do? It is never possible to judge the value of any prayer based on feeling or experience alone. Experiences are not the point. In centering prayer the goal is to so dwell in Christ that the fruit of this dwelling begins to show up in your life. Centering praying may “do” nothing at the moment. You sense no rapture, no mystical bliss. But later, as you move out into the busyness of life, you begin to notice that something has shifted. Your quiet center in Christ holds. Centering prayer trusts that being with Jesus brings transformation. The words of Isaac of Stella capture the heart of centering prayer: “May the Son of God who is already formed in you, grow in you, so that for you He will become immeasurable, and that in you He will become laughter, exultation, the fullness of joy which no one can take from you.”

A Short Method for Centering Prayer

1. Set aside a minimum of fifteen minutes (increase the time as you can). Set a timer if that helps you to be less concerned about when to stop.
2. Settle into a comfortable position.
3. Intentionally place yourself in the presence of God, in the center of his love.
4. Choose a simple word, phrase or verse from Scripture that expresses your desire for God (e.g., love, peace, grace, Jesus, great Shepherd). Let this word guard your attention.
5. Take time to become quiet. It is not unusual for the first minutes to be filled with many noisy thoughts. Don’t worry about them or pay attention to them. Let them go. Gently return your attention to the center of God’s presence and love by repeating your word. When your thoughts wander let them drop to the bottom of your mind. Don’t go after them. Gently return to the presence of Christ through repeating your word. Let the word draw your attention back to Jesus. Be with Jesus. Listen. Be still. When distractions persist let one of the following images help you return to Jesus.
   • Imagine that God’s river of life runs through you. Deep down, the river is calm and slow. But on the surface there is rushing and debris. Imagine your distracting thoughts are part of the debris floating in the current. Don’t try to capture these thoughts; release them and let the river of God’s life carry them away. Anytime you are distracted, let the distractions go with the river. Gently return to the presence of Christ with your prayer word.
   • Imagine that you are visiting a friend who lives on a busy city street. Because it is a warm day, the windows are open and all the noise and bustle of life float into the room through the window. At times you are conscious of sirens or people talking or children laughing, but your attention is devoted to your friend and you do not let your mind follow the sounds outside. As you meet with Jesus, acknowledge the noisy distractions that pull at your attention, but continually return to the moment with Jesus through your prayer word.
6. Rest in the center of God’s love. Trust that the Holy Spirit who abides in the depths of your spirit to connect you with God.
7. Take several minutes to come out of prayer. Don’t hurry. Breathe in the presence of Christ. Offer yourself to God for the tasks awaiting you (e.g., “I am yours,” or “Remain with me”).

Reflection Questions

1. How do you express your desire for God?
2. Is praying your desire and love for God difficult?

   What does this tell you about yourself and your view of God?

3. What is it like for you to spend time with God when you are not speaking to him?
4. What happens inside you when you are quiet with God?

Spiritual Exercises

1. Sacred word. Choose a prayer word as the symbol of your desire to let Jesus’ action and presence form you. The word could reflect a deep desire of your heart (e.g., love, grace, peace), or the word might be a name or title of God (e.g., Jesus, great Shepherd, Counselor, Healer of my soul, Defender). Become still and offer yourself and your love to God. Let this word or phrase draw you into the presence of Christ. When you are distracted, return gently to your word and to the Lord. At the end of the prayer, remain still for several minutes. • Throughout your day return to your word and remind the Lord of your love for him.
2. Sit comfortably in a position that allows you to stay alert and attentive. Read a short passage of Scripture slowly and out loud. Choose a word from the text as your centering word. Then follow the directions given in exercise one. Let the word lead you into the presence of Jesus. When thoughts distract you, return to Christ by repeating your word. Simply be with Jesus. Offer yourself to him. Wait in his presence.
3. Set aside twenty minutes every day for six days. Follow the steps in “A Short Method for Centering Prayer.” Practice centering prayer each day. • After a week reflect on your experience. Do you sense any internal shifts? • In the weeks ahead slowly stretch your times with God.
4. Do you know others who might appreciate this sort of prayer? Begin a centering prayer group.

Resources on Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer by M. Basil Pennington

Contemplative Outreach Ltd. www.contemplativeoutreach.org

Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating

“Prayer is not primarily saying words or thinking thoughts. It is, rather, a stance. It’s a way of living in the Presence.” —Richard Rohr

Contemplative Prayer